December 14, 2015

The McNeil government is abusing its majority to take away the rights of 75,000 Nova Scotians with Bill 148, says NDP Leader Maureen MacDonald. She says the people who have dedicated their lives in service of Nova Scotians deserve better.

“The doctors, nurses, paramedics and health care workers who care for our sick and dying have had their rights taken by Stephen McNeil. The teachers who dedicate their lives to educating our children have had their rights taken away by Stephen McNeil. The highway workers out tonight in a snow storm keeping our roads safe have had their rights taken away by Stephen McNeil. The social workers who enter people’s homes in a crisis have had their rights taken away by Stephen McNeil. Tonight, almost 15% of our labour force have had their rights taken away by Stephen McNeil” says MacDonald. “The sad part is, Stephen McNeil promised to protect the hard-earned collective rights of Nova Scotians before becoming Premier. It’s clear from his actions since being elected, that this was a promise he never intended to keep.”

MacDonald says over the coming days the NDP will be focused on ensuring that Nova Scotians understand the full impact of the Liberals’ Bill 148.

“Collective rights aren’t disposable. They are entrenched in our Charter and they exist for a reason. It’s extremely disappointing and troubling that Stephen McNeil is unwilling to bargain in good faith with our public sector workers,” she adds.